Volcano Crystals Hold Clues to Next Big Eruption
This article is for subscribers only.
Crystals formed in the molten rock of a volcano may help predict the next eruption of Mount St. Helens or Mount Vesuvius as far as a year in advance, researchers said.
Drawing from data of the explosions of Mount St. Helens in 1980 through 1986 in Washington, scientists found that iron- and magnesium-rich crystals grew before an eruption, according to a study in the journal Science. The most rapid growth happened in the 12 months before the volcano exploded, the analysis showed.